Senegal Tapped for Africa Olympic First

(ATR) Dakar is confirmed as the host for the 2022 Youth Olympic Games.

The Senegal capital city was the only candidate proposed to the IOC after an evaluation commission review. Nigeria, Botswana and Tunisia also put forward bids.

"Senegal is one of the most politically stable countries in Africa. The plan for the YOG is technically strong," explained Ugur Erdener, chair of the IOC commission.

Erdener says the budget for the Senegal YOG will be guaranteed by the national government along with support from commercial partners.

The decision by the IOC, by a vote of acclamation, comes on the second day of competition at the 2018 YOG in Buenos Aires, the first edition of the event in South America. Dakar will claim the same distinction for Africa, the first multi-sport event under the IOC flag to be held on the continent.

Peace Process Aided by Olympics

In his report to the IOC Session, IOC President Thomas Bach made note of the significance of the 2018 Winter Games in PyeongChang towards peace on the Korean Peninsula.

"We will support any kind of action to encourage peace through sport," Bach said. He told members that the IOC has been in touch in the past week with the South Korean national security officials. Two weeks ago he met at the United Nations with South Korean President Jae In Moon.

Olympic Bid Encouragement

The IOC President mentioned the possibility of a joint bid from South Korea and North Korea for the 2032 Summer Olympics as a signal of a renewed interest in cities bidding for the Games.

"We are positively surprised we have numerous countries around the world," he said. "These are not a mere expression of interest but they are taking the form of concrete projects," Bach said.

The IOC president confirms correspondence from Indonesia declaring that country’s interest in launching a bid. Other countries considering 2032 are Australia, Germany and India. The president of Argentina, Mauricio Macri,says the experience of the YOG in Buenos Aires could open the door to an Olympic bid in 2032.

Host City Reports

The afternoon portion of the IOC session Monday includes reports from PyeongChang 2018 on the three Summer Olympic and one Winter Olympic host cities on the horizon.

The IOC Session continues through the afternoon of October 9.

Paris Communications Director Debut

Anne Descamps, named three months ago as the communications director for Paris 2024, is making her introductions to international media and the IOC in Buenos Aires.

Descamps came to Paris 2024 from the administration of French President Emanuel Macron.

IOC Membership Update

IOC members excused from attending the Session in Buenos Aires include Gunilla Lindberg, Nita Ambani, Hayley Wickenheiser, Kikken Randall, Ung Chang and Rene Fasel.

Sheikh Khalid of Oman is no longer an IOC member, Bach announced. Elected last year while president of the NOC, Khalid no longer holds that post and has resigned his IOC position. There are now 95 IOC members.

Reported in Buenos Aires by Ed Hula.